The ideas of the Greek democracy and further democratic movements

Comenius projectHäädemeeste Secondary School, 2013

By Pille-Riin Makilla

The defination of democracy1. ancient times The ancient Greek word demokratia was ambiguous. It

meant literally 'people-power‘ (in Greek, demos – people; kratos – power). It is about 2500 years old.

However, ancient Greek democracy was not a democracy in the modern sense of the word as large groups like slaves and women could not vote.

Generally, people mean under democracy a statehood under which they can elect their candidate to a parliament and so delegate their personal ideas and interests to a representative. The word „parliament“ means „they speak“ or they talk in mediaeval French. So, a parliament is a place where people can talk about a country’s politics, economics and laws.

The defination of democracy2. now a system of government in which people vote in

elections to choose the people who will represent them in a parliament.

The political party which got most votes will set up a government. Sometimes there are two or three parties in a union and make a coalition. The opposing parties make an opposition.

democracy is socially organised freedom. Three cornerstones of the democracy – constitutional government; human rights , minorities’ rights and equal rights guaranteed by the constitution. (The UK is an exception as it has no constitution but a set of fixed laws.)

The features of the democracy nowadays (modern democracy) Separation of legal system: executive

and legislative. People who make laws do not control the society.

Human rights are accepted and respected, universally (all minority groups: religious, ethnic, racial, sexual have the same rights)

Freedom of speech, free media.

Democracy in different times1. Anciant Greece In ancient times there was direct democracy - a

government in which people vote to make their own rules and laws.

One of the hallmarks of GREEK CIVILIZATION was the polis, or city-state. The city-states were small, independent communities which were male-dominated and bound together by race. It means that membership in the polis was hereditary and could not be passed on to someone outside the citizen family. The citizens of any given polis were an elite group of people – slaves, peasants, women and resident aliens were not part of the body of citizens and therefore not vote.

Democracy in different times2. The Middle Ages Most regions in medieval Europe were ruled by

clergy or feudal lords. In the medieval times local feudal had to take

into consideration the opinion and interest of local aristocracy and, later townsfolks who formed professional guilds. They also formed local assemblies or councils. Countries differed a lot. For example, France developed a very strong, centralised statehood which reached absolute monarchy. Whereas Germany was split up into small kingdoms.

Democracy in different times 3. The New AgeThe ideas of ancient democracy were

revived by and during the philosophers of Enlightment.

However , modern democracy accepted the idea that all members of society should be represented in the legislative body (parliament).

It took a long way till women got their right to vote (first countries New Zealand and Finland)

Suffrage 1848-1928 In the middle of the 19th century, a

worldwide movement was begun that had the aim of winning the vote for women. In 1848, a women’s right convention was held in New York state.

The Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) was set up in 1903.

New Zealand was the first country to give voting rights to everyone in 1893, and Finland was first in Europe in 1906.

Women got their political identity, the right to vote and to be elected in 1920s mostly.

Democracy in different times 4. Estonian statehood

Estonia developing contemporary democracy. (PowerPoint Presentation)

By students: Sirli Friedrichson, Pirgit Kalmet

Teachers: Eve Pajuväli, Viktor Koop

Democratic movements:Phosporite Campaign – green movement

By students: Meeli Lepik, Kätrin Türin, Elise Noni

Teachers: Ülle Valgi

Democratic movements:Regaining independence - the Baltic Chain of Freedom

The Baltic Chain of Freedom was a peaceful political demonstration that occurred on August 23, 1989.

The protest was designed to draw global attention by demonstrating a desire for independence and solidarity among the three nations.

By students: Laura Krapp, Brigyta-Renata Piiri Teachers: Eve Pajuväli, Rene Kurm

Democratic movementsRegaining independence – the Singing Revolution

The Singing Revolution is a commonly used name for events between 1987 and 1991 that led to the restoration of the independence of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

A non-violent struggle for freedom The term was created by an Estonian activist

and artist, Heinz Valk for the June 10–11, 1988, spontaneous mass night-singing demonstrations at the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds.

Modern democratic movements and activities in Estonia An environmentalists campaign - World

Clean up (Teeme ära). Harta 2012, Charter 2012 an internet –

based protest movement. Different support groups (consumers union;

students league; animal rights activists)